How to Cook Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Tenderloins in the Oven

Turkey tenderloins are a delicious, lean cut of meat that can be prepared easily in the oven for a quick weeknight dinner or impressive holiday meal. With just a few simple steps, you can have tender, juicy turkey tenderloins ready in under 30 minutes.

What Are Turkey Tenderloins?

Turkey tenderloins, also known as turkey cutlets or turkey fillets, are oval-shaped cuts that come from the breast meat of a turkey. They are very lean, tender, and boneless. Turkey tenderloins have a delicate flavor that pairs well with a variety of seasonings and ingredients.

Compared to cooking a whole turkey, tenderloins cook much more quickly. Their small, uniform shape also means they cook evenly from the inside out. This makes them an ideal choice for easy oven-roasted turkey.

Benefits of Cooking Turkey Tenderloins

There are many benefits to preparing turkey tenderloins in the oven

• Quick cooking time – Turkey tenderloins can go from raw to cooked in as little as 15-20 minutes in the oven since they are small and thin. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights.

• Lean and tender – With very little fat or connective tissue, turkey tenderloins are naturally tender and cook up juicy in the oven.

• Mild flavor – Turkey tenderloins have a delicate, mildly savory flavor that pairs well with many seasonings and sauces. Their mild taste makes them appealing for kids and those who don’t like strongly flavored meats.

• Versatile – Oven-roasted turkey tenderloins work for all occasions from casual family dinners to impressive holiday centerpieces. Leftovers can be used in sandwiches, salads, pastas, and more

• Budget-friendly – Turkey tenderloins are an affordable alternative to chicken breast and easier to prepare than a whole turkey. Just 1-2 tenderloins can feed a small family.

How to Choose Turkey Tenderloins

When purchasing turkey tenderloins, you’ll usually find them sold in packs of 2. Look for tenderloins that are:

• Pink or white in color without discoloration
• Smooth and moist without dry patches
• Free from tears or ragged edges
• As uniform in size and shape as possible

On average, tenderloins are around 1/2 pound each in weight. Popular brands like Butterball and Jennie-O turkey often sell them.

Simple Method for Oven-Roasted Turkey Tenderloins

Follow these easy steps for foolproof oven-roasted turkey tenderloins:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Pat dry turkey tenderloins with paper towels.
• Prepare any aromatics, sauce, or seasoning you want to use. Options include:
  • Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary
  • Spice rubs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
  • Compound butter with herbs under the skin
  • Citrus zest
  • Mustards, vinegars, olive oil, etc. for sauces or glazes

2. Season the Turkey Tenderloins

• Generously season both sides of the tenderloins with salt and pepper.
• You can also rub the tenderloins with olive oil or melted butter for added moisture and flavor.
• Apply any other seasonings or aromatics you’re using. Make sure they coat the turkey well.

3. Roast in the Oven

• Place tenderloins on a rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe pan.
• Roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping tenderloins halfway through.
• Turkey is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Let Rest and Slice

• Remove tenderloins from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
• This allows juices to reabsorb for moist, tender meat.
• Slice into medallions and serve warm.

Cooking Tips

Use these tips to achieve perfect oven-roasted turkey tenderloins every time:

• Use a meat thermometer – This prevents overcooking. Turkey is safe to eat at 165°F.

• Roast at a high temp – 400°F helps the turkey brown quickly for a crispy exterior.

• Flip halfway – Flipping the tenderloins ensures even cooking on both sides.

• Let rest before slicing – Resting allows juices to redistribute so meat stays juicy.

• Avoid overcrowding pan – Give tenderloins space on the pan so they brown properly.

• Cook to proper doneness – Turkey cooked to 165°F is moist and tender. Overcooking dries out the delicate meat.

Flavor Ideas

Turkey tenderloins pair well with countless flavors. Consider rubbing, stuffing, or serving the roasted turkey with:

• Fresh herbs – Rosemary, thyme, sage
• Dried spices – Chili powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning
• Citrus – Lemon, lime, orange
• Alliums – Garlic, onion, shallots
• Sauces – Pesto, chimichurri, teriyaki
• Glazes – Honey mustard, brown sugar bourbon, sweet chili
• Compound butters – Herb butter, garlic Parmesan butter
• Stuffings – Cornbread, wild rice, apple walnut
• Roasted veggies – Potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts

With so many possibilities, you can easily give basic roasted turkey tenderloins a flavorful twist.

What to Serve with Turkey Tenderloins

Turkey tenderloins pair well with a wide variety of side dishes:

• Starch sides – Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, wild rice, quinoa

• Vegetables – Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, asparagus

• Salads – Kale salad, pumpkin salad, cranberry salad

• Breads – Dinner rolls, biscuits, cornbread

• Sauces – Gravy, cranberry sauce, chutney

Choose sides that complement the seasonings used on your tenderloins. For holidays, try classic homestyle sides like mashed potatoes, veggies, biscuits, and cranberry sauce.

Should You Brine Turkey Tenderloins?

Because they are naturally tender and lean, brining is not necessary for turkey tenderloins.

Brining helps break down tough connective tissues and helps retain moisture. But since tenderloins don’t contain much connective tissue, brining doesn’t improve their tenderness.

The small size of tenderloins also means high surface area for seasoning compared to volume. So dry rubbing creates plenty of flavor.

Save the brining step for whole turkeys and opt for a simple dry rub for tenderloins.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftover roasted turkey tenderloins keep well in the fridge or freezer:

• Fridge – Store cooked tenderloins up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

• Freezer – Freeze leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 months. Defrost in fridge before reheating.

Sliced or chopped turkey also works well in casseroles, sandwiches, soups, and salads throughout the week.

Common Questions

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about oven-roasting turkey tenderloins:

How long does it take to cook turkey tenderloins?

In a 400°F oven, tenderloins take 15-20 minutes to fully cook through. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can you cook frozen turkey tenderloins in the oven?

Yes, add 5 extra minutes to the cook time if starting with frozen tenderloins.

Should you flip turkey tenderloins when roasting?

Flipping halfway through ensures even cooking. If not flipped, the top may overcook while bottom is underdone.

Can you overcook turkey tenderloins?

Yes, turkey dries out if cooked past 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.

The Takeaway

Cooking turkey tenderloins in the oven is one of the easiest ways to enjoy moist, delicious turkey meat. With just a simple seasoning and quick roast at high heat, you can have tender, flavorful turkey tenderloins ready in under 30 minutes. Vary the seasonings and pair them with complementary sides for an easy, versatile meal idea perfect for both weeknights and holidays.